Posts Tagged ‘motorcycle travel’

40 New Roads to Ride your Motorcycle

Posted: October 5, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring
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A few years ago, I wrote about a website that the federal government did right. The Federal Highway Administration’s America’s Byways website is a good place to look for roads to ride. I use this website often to find interesting roads to travel while at or on the way to or from my destination. 

The website has both roads designated as American Byways and All-American Roads.  The homepage describes the differences between the two types of roads.  

I am revisiting this website because they have added forty new roads to the list that now totals 184 byways for us to travel. You can discover the roads by clicking on the state you want to travel and see what National Bayway or All-American roads are there for you to explore.

The following are a few examples of the new roads added to list and might make my bucket list:

Cascade Loop, Washington – 440 miles

Newfound Gap Road Byway, Tennessee – 50 miles

Door County Costal Byway, Wisconsin – 67 miles

Trail of the Ancients, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico  – 480 miles

Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, Louisiana – 296 miles

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway, Nebraska – 438 miles

If you do not have National Scenic Byways & All-American Roads website in your riding toolbox… do it now!

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plan a motorcycle ride
American Byway map page
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Interactive map of American Byways

Motorcycle Ride: Howard’s Twisted Tongue

Posted: September 2, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Uncategorized
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Howard’s Twisted Tongue is also known as Howard’s Lick, Lost River State Park Road, and West Virginia Route 12 this is a technically difficult road to ride your motorcycle. It is an unmarked 1 to 2 lane road with multiple 180 switchbacks and hairpins.

I had never heard of Howard’s Twisted Tongue until a few days before we made the ride.  My riding buddy, Mark, discovered this ride on a map, it was close by and looked like it might be fun, so it was time to mount up and ride.

The weather on the day we took off for Howard’s Twisted Tongue was perfect for riding motorcycles.  It was partly sunny and early morning cool.

It did not take long to get to the road, and we knew from the start that it was going to be a bit of a challenge as it became a steep incline immediately.  I don’t know how high we climbed but my best guess would be between 800 and 1000 feet.

Did I mention multiple switchbacks and hairpins?  There are a bunch of tight turns, many are a little off camber, and most are ascending or descending steeply.  You need to watch yourself as many of these turns have gouges in the road from heavy vehicles or vehicles towing trailers. The road itself is, as I noted, unmarked, in mostly good condition but with some rough and potholed areas as well.

The climb up is well worth the ride, as you will ride along the ridge top for several miles.  The views from the top of the ridge are great and there are a surprising number of very expensive homes along the road.

After a few miles you will start the descent which will take you into Lost River State Park.  I have been to Lost River State Park in the past and I like to make the park a day ride destination.

Howard’s twisted tongue ends, for us, at the intersection of 12 and 259 at the town of Mathias.  If you are going to ride this road, be ready for some technical riding.  You will be in low gear for a lot of time. Make sure you get your head turned and remember to “look where you want to go”.

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Ride on, Ride safe

Motorcycle News: More Motorcycle Bans in Europe – Why is your Congress member not on this list?

Posted: July 10, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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ijustwant2ride.com

Down Shift – More of Europe Banned to Motorcycles

More of Europe has now barred motorcycles from traveling along public roads. To limit “noise pollution” motorcycles are barred from parts of Pyrenees National Park.  There were no restrictions on cars applied.

The year-round ban impacts not just motorcycles but also quads, buggies and mountain bikes. According to what I read this ban on “particularly noisy” vehicles occurred without taking into account actual sound levels of the vehicles in question.

From the documentation:

  • Limit the passage of noisy vehicles to certain areas of the ZEPQA, taking into account the regulation of motorized traffic inside the park, restricting access to certain tracks either throughout the year or at certain periods.
  • Restrict motorized access to the entire network of forest trails and paved paths of the ZEPQA of Alt Àneu and Farrera, except the access roads to urban centres, by vehicles considered excessively noisy consisting of all types of vehicles such as motorcycles, quads, ATVs and buggies that are not electric, except those of registered residents, beneficiaries of livestock forest exploitation, public services and those duly authorized by the Alt Pirineo Natural Park and/or the respective local entities.
  • Promote the use of electric vehicles.
  • In addition, there is a specific point dedicated to ‘Carrying out awareness actions specifically aimed at drivers of vehicles that emit more noise: motorcycles, mountain bikes, quads and buggies.’

My Take: This is not the first area in Europe to ban motorcycles.  I have written several articles on this issue referencing the following:

Dozens of roads closed to motorcycles in Germany.

Some of the best motorcycling roads in Europe now ban motorcycles.

The Swiss are planning banning motorcycles from certain roads.

IMHO this is a continuation of a Vision Zero mind state.  If there are no places to ride motorcycles, then there will be no motorcycle accidents.  Call me cynical but the bureaucracy of the EU will beat down motorcycling over time

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Up Shift – Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) 2022 Legislators of the Year.

Representative Susie Lee of Nevada and Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin were recently honored as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) 2022 Legislators of the Year.

Representative Lee was instrumental in seeking answers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the profiling of bikers. Representative Gallagher was the lead sponsor of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) bill which was included in a larger transportation bill that officially reestablished the MAC.

Other pro-motorcycle Senators and Congress members

  • Senator Ron Johnson (Wisconsin)
  • Senator John Thune (South Dakota)
  • Senator Joni Ernst (Iowa)
  • Senator Gary Peters (Michigan)
  • Congressman Tim Walberg (Michigan)
  • Congressman Michael Burgess (Texas)
  • Congressman Troy Balderson (Ohio)
  • Congressman Darin LaHood (Illinois)

My Take – I am just so glad that we have some pro-motorcycle folks in our national legislation branch of government!  If any of these people are representing you, you now have an avenue to approach them for more motorcycle actions! Sadly, none of these are representing my state.

Riding in the fall? 9 tips to keep you safe.

Posted: November 18, 2019 in Motorcycle, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring
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Riding your motorcycle in the fall can be a fun, pleasant, awesome adventure!  But, it can be hazardous as well.  Here are a few reminders to help make fall motorcycling more of an adventure then a hazard.

1) Gear Up – weather during the fall can turn quickly. I have started a day in sunny warmth then misty rain and then snow and back to sun during one ride. I am sure many others have had the same occurrence. So this tip is to wear, or take, gear to protect yourself from the cold and rain….just in case.

2) The deadly leaf – Pretty when they turn colors but when they fall they can become Motorcycle ride Route 39 VA WV“Leaves Of Death”! A bit dramatic but, if you take a wet leaf to your visor it can be a problem. Leaves on the road, wet or not, can make traction dicey, as well as hiding potholes and other hazards. The tip here is to pay close attention to where you are going.

3) Beware of shade – There are dangers in the dark. Cold temps at night can bring freezing conditions to the roads, ice can appear and hide beneath the “Leaves of Death!”. While the warming morning sun may melt most frozen paths, those in the shade may not melt as fast. Tip, be extra cautious as you move from sun to shade.

4) Lighting the darkness – T-CLOCs is your friend. Darkness comes quickly this time ofElectra Glide Ultra Limited year are your lights working properly. Check to make sure.

5) Tires, hoops of hazards – Yes, it is part of your T-CLOCs but if you are wanting to ride in the fall with slicks (or just worn out tires) you might what to change your mind. Those slick tires + slick leaves and possible ice patches just might just make those hoops of hazards into something much worse.

6) Squirrels and deer HATE you! – Animal are looking far and wide for food now that winter is approaching. That patch of green grass across the road looks mighty tasty to a hungry animal, so much so it will walk or run right in font of you. Tip, pay attention to the sides of the road for Bambi and Thumper.

ijustwant2ride.com7) Tighten up on your riding skills – Just in case you have a Bambi moment, when was the last time you panic stopped from 50MPH to 0? Have you practiced a panic stop with a passenger? If not please do yourself a favor and do so!

8) Check the weather often – Referring back to item 1, in the age of the cell phone it will pay to check your weather throughout your ride. You might have all the right gear on, or stowed, but riding in the rain on a cool fall day across leaf crusted roads is not something you should do if it can be avoided.

9) Grab Fall by the Leaves – There are not many good riding days left in year. Get out and ride, just make sure you are fully prepared.

10K follows for a motorcycle blog!

Posted: November 3, 2019 in Motorcycle
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Thank you all!!!!

Holy heck I never really expected to reach this milestone. This is just a blog about motorcycle stuff that interests us. I am surprised that you guys are interested in the same stuff.IMG_20181006_102344822

Now you may have noticed that there has been a …. shortage of articles on rides or trips this summer. Well my wife tore 2 ligaments in her left knee and getting on and off the bike has put us on hold for anything but the shortest rides.

Right now, I want to finish the Hollowed Ground American Byway ride. We had most of it finished before her incident but the last third is just hanging out there wait for us to finish. We might be able to slip the last part in this year… but it is getting tight.

 

Thank you again for following this blog!!!

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How to Find Best Biker Friendly Accommodation for Your Next Motorcycle Travel — guest post by Sarah Kearnes

Posted: August 3, 2018 in Motorcycle, motorcycle touring
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Whether your next cross-country ride is a laid-back road trip or a high-stakes poker run, you will definitely need to find accommodations along the way. Bikers, however, haveijustwant2ride specific needs that some regular establishments just don’t have. Knowing this, you need to plan your itinerary in advance so that you can find the best biker friendly accommodation for your next motorcycle travel.

Here are five resources that you can use to find the best biker-friendly establishments and lodging en route to your destination.

Trip review websites

There are websites that list hotels, inns, and bed and breakfast places. TripAdvisor, Agoda, and Gumtree are good examples of these. There are establishments on these sites that proudly advertise that they are ‘biker-friendly.’ And the best thing about these websites is that you get to read reviews from fellow bikers who have used the accommodations before. With these sites, you already get an idea of what to expect from each place before actually booking.

Mobile apps

Aside from TripAdivsor and Agoda (which also have mobile apps), there are also mobile apps that allow you to check accommodation reviews, reserve a room, and pay for your stay. AirBnb is an example of an excellent app that lets you do this. And like the aforementioned websites, there are lots of listed establishments that are proud to be ‘biker-friendly – with testimonials from previous motorcyclists as proof. The best part – you can do all of these through your smart phone.

The ever-reliable Google search

A Google search can also give you listings of biker-friendly places that can be found along your trip. Of course, when you use Google search, the keywords that you use matter. Try doing a search using the “biker friendly accommodations” and add the place where you’re headed to the keywords. You’ll be surprised that there are quite a number of biker-friendly establishments en route to your destination (and around your country too).

Blogs by other bikers

Of course, what other best way to find the best biker-friendly accommodations out there than to get advice from someone with first-hand experience. There are fellow bikers who write blogs on their adventures around the country. Aside from learning a thing or two from them about riding, you can also keep track of recommended routes and their favorite places to stay. To add, there are also specific blogs that specifically discuss biker-friendly accommodations. BikersAreWelcome and Beds4Bikers are good examples of blogs listing establishments that are biker-friendly.

Ask the hosts

Compared to most travelers, bikers have needs that are quite specific – and this is mostly

ijustwant2ride.com

Sometimes they will let you park undercover.

attributed to the motorcycle and the gear. You can directly ask the hosts either through phone or email (or chat) if they have the facilities bikers require.

One of the most important – if not the most important – thing to ask is if the place has overnight motorcycle parking. Ideally, an establishment should have covered parking that will protect your bike from the elements. If there’s none, a private parking area would also do – as long as you’re not parked on the main road. You can also ask if they offer bike covers and tarpaulins.

Another must-have are laundry facilities. If you’re on a week-long cross-country road trip with only panniers for luggage containers, then you definitely need a wash of clothes. You also need access to at least a bucket, some water, and motorcycle cleaning detergent to clean your bike. If you’re lucky, some places even have pressure cleaners.

Some Final Thoughts

Planning is always the key to a successful and safe motorcycle trip. And with a week’s-long road trip ahead, it’s always best to check what biker-friendly accommodations are available to you during the trip.  Always remember to do your research (and in this case – use technology), so you can find – not only the best deals – but also the best biker-friendly establishments around.  

Sarah Kearns is a hard working mother of three daughters. She is a Senior Communications Manager for BizDb and Populationof an online resources with information about businesses and demographic statistics of world population. She loves cooking, reading history books and writing about green living. Her dad was a motorcyclist and he passed that passion on to her. Sarah loves to travel the world on her motorcycle and she hopes that one of her daughters will become her partner in the near future.

9 ways to entertain yourself on a long road motorcycle trip … Guest Post by Sarah Kearns

Posted: May 4, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring
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Long motorcycle trips can be very rewarding, with a lot of fun along the way. Whether you are travelling solo or with a companion, there are lots of ways to entertain yourself during those points where the scenery is not so thrilling. For those night stops, you can use these tips too.

  1. Listen to music

There’s nothing like the right soundtrack to make the road feel even more epic. Take care about playlist choice and volume – you can’t skip a track when you’re riding, and you don’t want to block out important noises which could warn you of hazards.

  1. Play counting games

If you start to get bored, you can initiate a counting game. If you’re travelling with someone else, you can make it competitive, but it works alone too. Pick something and count it – like the number of roadside pubs you pass, or so forth. You can also count decorations on houses that you pass around Christmas or Halloween.

  1. Watching films or TV

When you’re at your stop for the night, you can fill in some time by watching TV shows or films on your smart phone or tablet. If you need to download them, make sure to use a VPN connection for safety. You can also download them before you set off so you’re ready to watch.

  1. Listen to a book

A bit like listening to music, only more intellectual. You can load up an audio book on your phone and pop your headphones in to listen to a story which will accompany your journey. A lot of audio books tend to be many hours long, so this will work well.

  1. Film yourself

If you set up a GoPro camera and a microphone in your helmet, you can actually record a travel video while you ride. This is something you can edit down later and use to showcase your journey. You could even start a vlog for this purpose.

  1. Sing to yourself

If you don’t want to fill your helmet with music, how about providing your own? You can sing out loud on a long journey, especially if you’re on a long highway without much variation. It will keep you awake as you try to remember lyrics, too.

  1. Wave at people

If you’re travelling through populated areas, try waving randomly at passers-by. Especially if you spot kids, this is a lot of fun as they get excited! Only do this if it is safe, such as when you are stopped at a light. If you’re riding a long motorway or highway, you might not get a chance.

  1. Write a novel

You won’t be able to write it down, but why not make up your own fantasy world in your head? Make up a story with characters and decide what happens to them. This can be a lot of fun to stretch your creative imagination while you’re trying to find something to grab your attention.

  1. Think about life

Finally, why not use the long journey to think about life in general? You can do some real soul-searching and think about what you want out of life, and how you can get there. This is a time to answer the really big questions. By the time you reach your destination, you might have made an important decision about the rest of your life.

There can be dull moments even on the most exciting motorcycle road trips, and you can find yourself getting sleepy or bored because of the monotony. These techniques will help prevent that from now on.

Sarah Kearns is a hard working mother of three daughters. She is a Senior Communications Manager for BizDb, BizDb.co.nz and Datastical, an online resources with information about businesses. She loves cooking, reading history books and writing about green living.  Her dad was a motorcyclist and he passed that passion on to her. Sarah loves to travel the world on her motorcycle and she hopes that one of her daughters will become her partner in the near future.

Book Review: Maiden Voyage, The Prequel to the Adventure of a Lifetime

Posted: January 16, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Product Reviews
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I enjoyed Tim Notier’s motorcycle book “Maiden Voyage, The Prequel to The Adventure of a Lifetime.” This book chronicles his and his girlfriend’s (Marisa) first long motorcycle tour/adventure.  A ride that would that would change their lives.

Tim and Marisa started their motorcycle much like many of us with weekend trips around their home.  Of course the travel bug bites and they then expand their scope, this book chronicles their trip to the Rockies where things start to evolve.  By evolve I mean get married, sell everything they own and start a multi-year ride to where ever they are today!

You can tell Tim is very passionate about his story (as well as for Marisa).  His stories are quite relatable as they travel though the deferent National Parks and camp grounds.  If you put a lot of miles down while motorcycle touring you will see yourself in the rain and heat of their story.

There is only one nit to pick with this book and it is not a big one.  I think that, while I really enjoyed the book (enough to pass it on to my wife), a strong editor would only make this a tighter/better book.

I am giving the book 4 out of 5 stars.  You can follow their continuing journey (as of this date they are in Belize) at their website, www.notiersfrontiers.com.

4 out 5 stars